AUGUSTA, GA. | The PGA Tour ran up the white flag on cell phones at its events a long time ago.

Now, the Tour even embraces it, with apps featuring course maps and the location of key areas such as First Aid and party areas, and Twitter and text interaction.

All you have to do is keep them on silent and don't take photos or video during competition.

The Augusta National Golf Club, on the other hand, refuses to give in to technology.

Cell phones and other personal display devices are not allowed on the grounds of the club. Ever.

There are no designated cell areas. And don't even try ducking behind a tree to call your buddies to gloat that you just saw Phil eagle No. 13. They'll catch you and you get tossed off the course and your badge taken.

I'm serious when I say this: you will get caught.

The media are allowed to have cell phones but only inside the media center. They can't be taken out under any circumstances. We also can't use the voice recording app for interviews. We have to either take good notes or use a conventional recording device.

On practice-round days, when cameras are allowed, no one, patrons or media, can use a smart phone camera. Again, bring an actual camera. That's why you never see selfies taken at Augusta National.

And that's why the photo to the left of Phil Mickelson and his coach Butch Harmon was on the big screen inside the media headquarters.

Some people wonder if the club will get with the program. I say it's one of the reasons this tournament and course are special. Cell phones give people an inflated sense of importance. Unless you're a doctor or running a Presidential campaign, any call you might need to receive or make can wait until after you leave the golf course.